Oliver Hutton's photostream

Update_7/9/09
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So 7 months has passed since my foray into film, and I have to say it has been well worth it. A few things have changed about my process of making photos, mostly for better. I am more selective about the imagery I make. This is especially true while using my medium format cameras, because of my need to be frugal, as well as the need to be efficient during the laborious process of scanning negatives.

While being more selective does make me experiment less, it has made me think more about composition. I'll admit though, I'm still not a huge composition snob. I think photos should always be composed well to a certain extent, but that isn't the only thing that makes a photo what it is. The concept/idea/moment are all more critical factors in my mind, and then the composition is the icing on the cake. When making a photograph, I will first think about how I can incorporate all of the elements that I want to show in a photo to tell the story, before I worry about things like the rule of thirds.

Another way my photography style has changed, is that I'm no longer worried about pleasing other people with my photography. I'm so tired of pretty vistas, and golden sunsets, and I can't wait for the next time I go to Paris, and I don't have to worry about taking another shot of the Eiffel Tower. I'm finding that the only thing that really interests me are people. In my mind, human behavior and emotion is far more interesting than any boring HDR landscape. Technical proficiency only means something to me when the photo can stand on it's own without it. It's interesting because taking pictures of people has always been the hardest thing for me to do. Especially those who I don't know very well, or at all. That challenge could be why things like street photography have appealed to me so much. The idea of progressing, and pushing myself out of my comfort zone has provided much learning, and growth.


1/6/09
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Hi my name is Oliver and I am from Chico California, but now I live is Seattle. I've been taking photos for a few years now, and the purpose of my Flickr account is obviously to share my work, but also to explore my process of making photographs. I find the way that I shoot follows two very disparate methods.

The first method I work in seeks to create pleasing imagery, but usually only comes out in the form of projects/dedicated photo trips. Unless I am consciously trying to go out and make new photographs for a specific purpose, I usually find my photos reverting to a second process. This process defines the the way that I document my life. Things like vacations, parties, etc. For some reason I never treat the two routines the same, often feeling like these everyday shots aren't worth the trouble to explore and develop as I should. I feel that when I do, the results are often very derivative and expected. For this reason, I categorize them into things like "everyday stuff." This helps me to not be so critical of my work. I'll admit though, sometimes it's kind of a cop out as to why they shouldn't be better.

I feel like part of the problem with this second method is the investment in time and effort for me to adapt the way I shoot my photos to match that of the former category. Sometimes I just want to take snapshots that will satisfy people when they ask about things like my vacations, and not have to worry about framing each shot perfectly, subject matter, etc. I also feel that what I like in a photograph doesn't necessarily match what other people expect, look for, or like in photographs. For this reason, a lot of the time I will take photos that I know other people will like even if I don't. For my personal preferences, I tend to focus more on conceptual ideas, emotion, and long term projects which I can immerse myself in.

One photographer who I believe does what I am attempting to do remarkably well is Annie Leibovitz. She is a major source of inspiration for me, and models the general direction that I would like to take the photos that document my life. If you are not familiar with her work, I urge you to check out a book she authored called "A Photographer's Life.". The my enjoyment with much of that book is the way it combines beautiful imagery, with very private, and personal moments.

For now I don't see it as an easy task to try to merge both categories into one unit, and sometimes it just isn't practical either. Over time however, I hope to evolve in the way I shoot in a way that will somewhat homogenize my process, and give me results that although different, are just as gratifying.

*If you are reading this, and wondering what the hell I am talking about, I am making an effort to formalize the way I work in writing, so I can begin to understand myself (and you can understand me as well). Writing makes me think critically, and reflect on where I am at as a photographer. It also helps me in the future to see where I have grown. Hopefully reading this will help you understand my philosophy on photography, and if you have made it this far, thanks for your interest in what I have to say.